Images express meaning through particular configurations of visual concepts. A distinguishing feature of discipline based art education is the use of visual imagery to transmit meaning to students. Discipline based art education incorporates concepts and skills from aesthetics, art criticism, art history, and art production and presents a unique approach to teaching art. This paper describes discipline based art education's: (1) conceptual focus; (2) structure; and (3) emphasis on students' manipulation of art materials to form visual images. Six elementary school discipline based art education lessons are suggested and briefly described. Four are developed into lesson plans that include: (1) the topic; (2) the grade level; (3) learning objectives; (4) a visual analysis of related vocabulary words and images; (5) art production materials, demonstrations, activities and evaluation; and (6) suggestions for a critical and historical evaluation of related art works and artists. The importance of this instructional sequence is described, along with a rationale for teaching discipline based art education to elementary school students. Fifteen references are included. (Author/JHP)